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Ahead of the widely publicised UK exhibition dedicated to the legendary French couturiere, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 2023, UK fashion lovers were treated to a private viewing of African themed contemporary creatives through photographs, textiles, music and the visual arts at the V&A Museum on Tuesday 2nd August 2022.
The dynamism of African fashion is undeniable as it reflects the innate talent and imagination of African designers across the continent influenced in large part by the iconic House of CHANEL which continues to affect the way women dress today.
Attendees, many of whom were young and aspiring models dressed in contemporary outfits fit for a catwalk, made their appearance in support of reputable designers with impressive clients including POP idol Beyonce and architect David Adjaye at this exhibition that was 170 years in the making following the museum’s founding.
Founded in 1852 the Victoria & Albert Museum is famed for its strong relationship to British colonialism throughout Africa and being associated with the acquisition of the Maqdala treasures reportedly confiscated by the British military during the Ethiopian campaign of 1868.
The purpose of the exhibition was articulated by the Senior Curator Africa and Diaspora at V&A Dr Christine Checinska. “The exhibition is intended to present a story of agency, abundance and unbounded creativity…the idea of common humanity and collective power was central to the theme of the exhibition…really showcasing the diversity of the continent, its history and culture but using fashion as a catalyst to achieve that.”
Dr Checinska was very clear about the ultimate ambition of the show which is to break down the old colonial boundaries that exist between Ghana in the west and Kenya in the east and Morocco in the north and South Africa in the south.
The Africa Fashion where the many artifacts and exhibits were housed is divided into two sections; downstairs where historical attire and images from 1950 to around 1980s; and upstairs where mostly contemporary photography was featured.
This show which features the work of several well known and up and coming designers and photographers is on now and continues until Sunday 16th April 2023 so there is time to get down there and support these talented individuals…if we can…we must!
